DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY

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Author: search.filters.author.BERIHU GEREZGIHERSubject: search.filters.subject.antiepileptic drugs

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    PREVALENCE AND FACTORS OF SUICIDAL IDEATION IN ADULTS WITH EPILEPSY ATTENDING NEUROLOGY CLINICS IN AYDER COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL AND MEKELLE GENERAL HOSPITAL, MEKELLE, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2024.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-01-28) BERIHU GEREZGIHER
    Background: Suicidal ideation is a major concern for adults with epilepsy, who are more vulnerable to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. While research on this issue exists globally, there is a significant lack of data from Ethiopia, particularly from Mekelle and Tigray. This gap in local research highlights the need for studies in these regions to inform targeted interventions and address the unique factors contributing to suicidal ideation in this population. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors of suicidal ideation in adults with epilepsy attending neurology clinics at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle General Hospital from April to January 2024. A sample of 325 adults with epilepsy was selected. Data were collected through in-person interviews. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis, with logistic regression identifying factors related to suicidal ideation. A pvalue of less than 0.05 was considered significant, and results were reported with adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: The study revealed that 29.5% of adults with epilepsy experienced suicidal ideation (95% CI: 24.3%–34.4%). Key factors significantly associated with suicidal thoughts included being single (AOR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.26–11.47), the use of multiple antiepileptic medications (AOR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.83–11.09), inadequate social support (AOR 4.9, 95% CI: 1.47–16.29), depression (AOR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.54–12.13), anxiety (AOR 2.96, 95% CI: 1.4–6.27), a family history of mental (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.40 to 13.09), and chronic medical conditions (AOR 6.8, 95% CI: 1.63–28.63). All these factors were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) and strongly correlated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The study revealed that 29.5% of adults with epilepsy experience suicidal thoughts. Key risk factors include being unmarried, taking several antiepileptic drugs, limited social support, depression, anxiety, history of mental illness in the family, and chronic medical issues. These findings emphasize the need for specialized mental health interventions for this group in the region.